Real Madrid scouts were at St James’ Park last night to run the rule over Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali, according to the Sun.
The Magpies lost 3-1 to Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup, ending their hopes of winning silverware this season.
The Italian has been one of the best players in his position in the Premier League, and Madrid are preparing to join the race to sign him this summer.
Tonali is also a wanted man in the Premier League, with Man City, Manchester United and Arsenal monitoring his situation.
He currently earns around £150,000 per week at Newcastle and is not out of contract until 2030.
Other clubs will be more than willing to double his wages, but the 25-year-old could look to move on for more than just the money.
Tonali wants to keep playing in the Champions League, and Newcastle are unlikely to be able to offer him that this season.
They are 12th in the league table after 29 games, nine points off the top five.
Newcastle face Barcelona in the round of 16 of the elite European competition later this month and will need to be perfect across both legs to advance.
Clubs will continue to watch Tonali this season, and holding on to him beyond the summer could be tricky for Newcastle.
